In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about hip pain and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Key Takeaways
- Hip replacement surgery in the UK is typically for severe pain and mobility issues, often due to arthritis, and is considered after conservative treatments fail.
- Types of hip replacement include total hip replacement, hip resurfacing, and hip revision, with private costs averaging £13,402 but ranging from £10,720 to £16,575.
- Preparation and recovery involve pre-op planning, early mobilization, and a 2–3 month recovery period. Payment options include self-pay, medical loans, and private insurance.
Understanding the Need for Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement is considered for severe pain and limited movement from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures. Risk factors include age, obesity, previous injuries, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Surgery is usually recommended after conservative treatments (lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, medication) have failed.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic hip pain
- Discomfort from previous injuries
- Stiffness after rest or in the morning
- Muscle loss around the hip
- Limited range of motion
- Sleep disruption due to pain
Diagnosis Process
- Medical history and physical exam
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, CT scans
- Blood tests to rule out infection or autoimmune disease
Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries
- Total Hip Replacement: Replaces both the femoral head and acetabulum with prosthetic components. Most common, takes 1–1.5 hours.
- Hip Resurfacing: Preserves more bone, suitable for younger/active patients. Removes only damaged surfaces.
- Hip Revision Surgery: For failed or worn-out replacements. More complex, may require bone grafts or special implants.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in the UK
- Location: London is typically 10–20% more expensive than other regions.
- Surgeon Fees: Costs vary based on the surgeon’s experience, reputation, and the complexity of the procedure. Higher living costs in certain areas can also increase fees.
- Type of Surgery: Hip resurfacing (£13,050–£13,630), total hip replacement (£14,740), and revision surgery all have different price points due to varying complexity and implant costs.
Average Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in the UK
The average private hip replacement in the UK costs £13,402, with a range from £10,720 to £16,575. This typically includes surgeon and anaesthetist fees, the hip implant, post-op medication, and nursing care. Additional costs may apply for scans, X-rays, and follow-up appointments.
Breakdown of Costs
- Initial consultation and pre-surgical tests (approx. £95)
- Surgical fees (surgeon, anaesthetist, implant)
- Hospital stay, room, and meals
- Postoperative care and physiotherapy
- Medications and follow-up visits
Many private hospitals offer fixed-price packages to cover all expected costs, providing financial clarity and peace of mind.
Payment Options for Hip Replacement Surgery
- Self-Pay: Out-of-pocket payment. Ensure all potential costs (including post-op care and complications) are included in the quote.
- Medical Loans: Finance providers offer loans with flexible repayment plans, often starting from £1,000. Approval is usually quick to avoid treatment delays.
- Private Medical Insurance: May cover hip replacement if pre-approved. Requires GP referral and insurer authorization. Check policy terms for exclusions or pre-existing condition clauses.
Choosing a Provider for Hip Replacement Surgery
- Private Hospitals: Shorter waiting times, modern technology, private rooms, and choice of surgeon. Fixed-price packages are common.
- NHS Hospitals: More affordable, with treatment time targets. Private patients may have access to private rooms. Occasional delays possible.
- Specialist Clinics: Led by consultant orthopaedic surgeons, offering advanced techniques and personalized care.
Preparing for and Recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery
Pre-surgery preparation includes lifestyle changes, home modifications, and possibly therapeutic injections (e.g., steroids, hyaluronate) to reduce inflammation. Surgery duration and success rates vary by type and patient health.
Post-Surgery Recovery
- Early mobilization with crutches or walking aids
- Pain management and physical therapy begin within days
- Gradual return to daily activities over 6 weeks to 6 months
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address complications
Complications such as infection or dislocation are possible, so regular follow-up is essential.
Prolotherapy: A Non-Surgical Alternative
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat hip pain and act as an alternative to hip replacement surgery.
Research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves the injection of a natural regenerative solution, which stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and repairs and strengthens ligaments in the hip.
The injections are naturally anti-bacterial and have an excellent safety record, making Prolotherapy a leading non-invasive alternative to hip replacement for many patients.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let hip pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
Phone: +44 1234 380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
Our Clinic Locations
London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH
All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating hip pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with hip pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile: Oliver Eaton
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a hip replacement in
the UK?
The average cost of a private hip replacement in the UK is around £13,402, but prices can range from £10,720 to £16,575 depending on location, surgeon, and type of procedure.
How long is the NHS waiting list for hip replacement?
The NHS aims for a maximum waiting period of 18 weeks from referral to treatment for hip replacements, but actual wait times can vary by region and hospital demand.
Can I pay for a hip replacement on the NHS?
No, hip replacement surgery is provided free of charge to UK citizens under the NHS. Private payment is only required if you choose to have the procedure done privately.
Which NHS hospital is best for hip replacement?
Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust is highly rated for hip replacement outcomes, but many NHS hospitals across the UK offer excellent care. Always check hospital ratings and patient reviews.
What are the symptoms that indicate the need for hip replacement surgery?
Persistent hip pain, discomfort from previous injuries, trouble sleeping due to pain, stiffness after rest, swelling, restricted movement, and muscle loss around the hip may all indicate the need for hip replacement.
Case Study: Prolotherapy as an Alternative to Hip Replacement
Case: A 68-year-old patient with severe hip arthritis and limited mobility, unresponsive to medications and physiotherapy, underwent a course of Prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic. After six sessions, the patient reported a 60% reduction in pain and improved walking ability, delaying the need for hip replacement surgery.
References
- NHS. Hip replacement. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-replacement/
- Private Healthcare UK. Hip replacement cost guide. https://www.privatehealth.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/hip-replacement/cost/
- National Joint Registry. Hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder replacement data. https://reports.njrcentre.org.uk/
- Hauser RA, et al. A Systematic Review of Dextrose Prolotherapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2016;9:139-159.
- British Orthopaedic Association. Hip replacement patient information. https://www.boa.ac.uk/patients/hip-replacement.html